Engadget guide outlines troubleshooting steps for PS5 and Xbox controller stick drift
The technology publisher advises against opening hardware units, suggesting warranty claims for persistent defects while noting the absence of Hall Effect technology in standard models.
Engadget has published a comprehensive guide addressing the persistent issue of stick drift in PS5 DualSense and Xbox Wireless Controllers. The article outlines a series of troubleshooting steps, beginning with physical cleaning and moving through software resets and firmware updates, before advising users to seek manufacturer support for hardware failures.
The publication identifies stick drift as a defect where the in-game camera or character moves without user input, often caused by dust, grime, or sweat impacting the controller’s sensors. Engadget recommends turning the device off before cleaning the sticks using short bursts of compressed air or a cotton bud lightly dipped in rubbing alcohol.
For PS5 controllers, the guide suggests resetting the device by pressing the rear pinhole button for at least five seconds with a paperclip, followed by re-pairing via USB. Software issues can also contribute to the fault, prompting Engadget to advise updating the DualSense firmware through the console’s settings menu.
Xbox Wireless Controller users are directed to the Xbox Accessories app to update firmware and utilise calibration tools that adjust stick dead zones. Engadget notes that the cotton bud and alcohol method is particularly effective for Xbox pads, though it cautions that these measures are not guaranteed to resolve all instances of the defect.
The article highlights that neither the standard DualSense nor the Xbox Wireless Controller utilises Hall Effect thumbstick technology, which is known to reduce wear. While the expensive DualSense Edge allows for $30 replacement stick modules, standard models do not offer this option. Engadget explicitly warns against opening the controllers, urging users to contact Microsoft or Sony for warranty repairs if hardware wear or manufacturing defects persist.
